Cosa Nostra

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Proper noun:
    • A crime syndicate in the United States: "Cosa Nostra" refers to a specific organized crime network operating in the U.S., structured into distinct family groups.
    • The American Mafia: It is the term used for the Italian-American Mafia, believed to have significant connections to the original Sicilian Mafia.
Usage and Examples
  • Proper noun:
    • The FBI has been investigating the activities of Cosa Nostra for decades.
    • He was rumored to be a high-ranking member of Cosa Nostra.
Advanced Usage
  • The term "Cosa Nostra" is often used in historical, legal, and journalistic contexts to refer specifically to the hierarchical, Italian-American organized crime institution.
  • It is typically used with the definite article "the" (e.g., ), though it can also stand alone as a proper name.
Variants and Related Words
  • The Mafia: A more general term for organized crime groups of Sicilian or Italian origin, which can include Cosa Nostra.
  • The Mob: A colloquial synonym often used interchangeably with "Cosa Nostra" or "the Mafia" in American English.
  • Organized crime: The broad category of criminal activities coordinated and carried out by groups, which includes groups like Cosa Nostra.
Synonyms
  • The American Mafia
  • The Syndicate (in specific crime contexts)
  • The Crime Family
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • "Made man": A phrase associated with Cosa Nostra, referring to a fully initiated member of the organization.
    • After the ceremony, he was a "made man" in Cosa Nostra.
  • "Omertà": The code of silence and secrecy historically associated with Cosa Nostra and similar groups.
    • He was killed for breaking omertà and cooperating with the police.
Noun
  1. a crime syndicate in the United States; organized in families; believed to have important relations to the Sicilian Mafia

Từ đồng nghĩa